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Nikhat Zareen’s Stunning Exit: National Trials Loss Costs Her CWG & Asian Games 2026

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen was eliminated in the women’s 51kg semifinals of the national boxing trials in Patiala, losing 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary. This defeat means she will miss the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan. Nikhat, who has struggled with form recently, was forced into the trials after losing to Olympic gold medallist Wu Yu at the Asian Championships. Fellow star Nitu Ghanghas also crashed out, creating a new opening in the 51kg category.

Key Points: Nikhat Zareen Out of National Trials, Misses CWG & Asian Games

  • Nikhat Zareen loses 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary in 51kg semifinals
  • Misses direct berth to Asian Games after failing to reach Asian Championships final
  • Nitu Ghanghas also eliminated, beaten by youngster Meenakshi
  • Only finalists in Mongolia got automatic Asian Games qualification
2 min read

Nikhat Zareen crashes out of National Boxing Trials, set to miss CWG and Asian Games 2026

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen loses 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary in national trials, missing the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games.

"The result is a huge setback for the 29-year-old Nikhat, who has been going through poor form and was not part of the Indian squad in recent months. - Boxing News"

New Delhi, May 14

Two-time World Championship medallist Nikhat Zareen is all set to miss the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games to be held in Japan later this year after failing to clinch her berth to the mega events via the qualifying trials in Patiala.

Nikhat, who won the World Championships twice and gold in the Commonwealth Games and bronze in the Asian Games, went down to Sakshi Chaudhary in the women's 51 kg semifinals during the national trials at the National Institute of Sports (NIS).

Nikhit Zareen went down 1-4 to Sakshi in her semifinal bout, which effectively sealed her fate as she had failed to gain a direct berth to the Asian Games.

The result is a huge setback for the 29-year-old Nikhat, who has been going through poor form and was not part of the Indian squad in recent months. The defeat means that the boxer from Telangana will not be part of the Indian squads for the upcoming international events.

The 51kg category will have a new representative from the country after another top star, Nitu Ghanghas, too crashed out, stunned by youngster Meenakshi on Thursday.

Nikhat was in top form a couple of years back when she won her second World Championship gold medal in the 2023 event held in New Delhi, defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Tam by 5-0 unanimous decision in the 48-50 kg category.

Nikhat was forced to take part in the trials after she failed to secure a direct entry during last month's Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She had reached the semifinals in the Continental meet but went down tamely 0-5 to China's Wu Yu, the reigning Olympic gold medallist. Only those who reached the finals in Mongolia were granted automatic qualification for the Asian Games.

Sachin Siwach (men's 60kg), Preeti Pawar (women's 54kg), and Priya Ghanghas (women's 60kg) had confirmed their places via the Asian Championships.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
This is disappointing but also shows the depth in Indian boxing now. Youngsters like Sakshi and Meenakshi are stepping up. Good for the sport overall! 👍
V
Vivek B
I feel the selection process needs more transparency. One bad day in trials and a champion like Nikhat is out? Should have considered her international record too. 😕
R
Ravi K
Koi na, form is temporary, class is permanent. Nikhat will come back stronger. She's only 29, still plenty of time left. Wishing her all the best for future. 🙏
K
Kavya N
Really sad for Nikhat but hats off to Boxing Federation for enforcing fair trials. No one gets special treatment. This is what builds real champions for the future. Well done Sakshi! 🥊
S
Shreya B
She lost to Olympic gold medallist Wu Yu at Asian Championships, that's no shame. But the way our system works, one bad tournament and you're out of 2 major events. Needs improvement in selection policy.
M
Manish T
Nikhat has already achieved so much - 2 World Championships gold, CWG gold, Asian Games bronze. She's a legend for Indian sports. This is just a rough patch. Jai Hind! 🇳🇪

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